First, a little thank-you shout-out to our friends Holly and Duey who shared FREE Noodles coupons with us tonight. We’d never been before–yum! We adults shared a booth, and our five kiddos had a booth behind us. So, if we shut out the noise, it was almost like a double date!

Then Holly had the urge to bless somebody (she gets this urge multiple times a day) and went on a little school supplies shopping spree for Livi and Ava. Totally unexpected, yet total answer to prayer. If this ruffles anyone’s feathers, I suggest you take it up with Miss Holly. She takes great offense when people rob her of the blessing of giving.

Love you, friends!

And now, the Denver Zoo. First of all, let me say that finding a place to stay in Denver was somewhat of a fiasco. It wasn’t for lack of offers–I think we had six. Long story short, we stayed with a delightful couple named Tom and Jill Goding. Our connection? Miss Joanne, who was Jill’s daughter’s Brownie Troop Leader before Joanne and fam moved to Phoenix in July. Livi and Ava hit it off immediately with Ashlyn (8). They loved each other so much that all three of them crammed into a twin bed for the night! And little Lily (not yet 2) was just adorable.

Jill and the girls met us at the zoo (and again the next day–this time with Tom!), so Gabe had his hands full with seven women. We had a great time. Thank you so much, Tom and Jill, for your hospitality and friendship!!

Now, this is a rockin’ Zoo Sign. Stunning view, awesome weather–perfection.

Okay, got my giraffe fix out of the way. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve seen a giraffe?? 20 days!! This isn’t going to work, folks.

The regal Maned Wolf. One of the first animals Nina ever talked about, thanks to Dora’s animal-rescuing cousin, Diego. If an animal hails from South America, Nina’s all over it.

I would make a comment about his dark roots, but he doesn’t seem to be in a joking mood. His mood improved instantaneously, though, that afternoon when he and the missus enjoyed a little conjugal fun just two feet from our family of five on the other side of the glass. Have I mentioned the educational benefits of zoos?

Me, Jill, and our five little blond girlies–Nina, Livi, Lily, Ava, Ashlyn.

The most dangerous animal in all of Africa. Seriously. Don’t mess.

A friendly native, a.k.a., Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep.

Now, that’s a majestic creature. Lucky Gabe has tigers just 20 minutes away.

I can’t tell you what a blessing it was for our girls to meet so many new friends.

We had a great day at the Denver Zoo! Up next–more new friends and GIRAFFE MANIA!

Happy Thursday, friends!!